The Birmingham hotel where the guests go naked

A Birmingham man has opened the city's first hotel exclusively for nudists.Owner Tim Higgs has fulfilled his ambition by turning a detached family home on the Chester Road, Erdington, into a naturist hotel.

A Birmingham man has opened the city's first hotel exclusively for nudists.

Owner Tim Higgs has fulfilled his ambition by turning a detached family home on the Chester Road, Erdington, into a naturist hotel.

Nudists have been queueing up to stay at the four-star Clover Spa & Hotel which has seven bedrooms and a garden hot tub.

It costs from £120 a night including breakfast.

Mr Higgs, aged 55, who has been a naturist most of his life said: “This isn’t some seedy venue with dark corners. We’ve created a relaxed and chilled out environment where naturists can come along and unwind.

"In Europe this sort of place is very normal but over here it’s almost unique.”

The dad-of-four already owns the original and fully-clothed Clover Hotel, which is a couple of doors away from his new venture.

When the former 1920s house became available, he decided to fulfil his deam.

He said: “Naturists were crying out for something like this.

“I applied to Birmingham City Council for a licence and at first they didn’t really register what I was intending to do, although I never tried to hide the fact it was a naturist retreat.

“Eventually when an inspector asked questions about dress code, I had to point out there wouldn’t be one.

“There may be a few negative comments but in the end it was passed through the planning committee without any hassle.”

Since opening in January, the hotel has attracted guests from across the UK as well as locals who use the day spa.

Mary Halliday from Stechford said: “I love being a naturist, it feels so natural. I have always been into it and when I tell family and friends they just accept it.”

Steve Pritchard, a postman from Great Barr has visited the spa four times.

He said: “In the past I have struggled to find something like this. I’m a member of a naturist swimming club but we meet at public baths. This is definitely a lot more luxurious.”